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The Number of the Beast

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

With The Number of the Beast, a new phase began for Iron Maiden in 1982. It was the first album with the singer Bruce Dickinson and the last with the drummer Clive Burr. The producer Martin Birch felt that the previous singer could not handle Steve Harris's complicated direction. For the first time the band made an album from scratch, which meant that recording and mixing had to be finished in just five weeks. Stories went round about Battery Studios, about lights that switched themselves on and off and equipment that failed.

The singles were Run to the Hills and The Number of the Beast. The first became the band's first top-ten hit in England. The album reached the top spot on the British album chart. It also caused an uproar, especially in the United States, because of the lyrics of the title track and the cover by Derek Riggs, on which Eddie controls Satan like a puppet. Since then the band has carried the nickname The Beast.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Run to the Hills and notice the voice of Bruce Dickinson, who was making his first album with the band here. Hear how his singing carries the chorus.

Track list

  1. 1Invaders3:23Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Children of the Damned4:35Apple Music ↗
  3. 3The Prisoner6:03Apple Music ↗
  4. 422 Acacia Avenue6:37Apple Music ↗
  5. 5The Number of the Beast4:51Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Run to the Hills3:53Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Gangland3:49Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Hallowed Be Thy Name7:11Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs